“Our resources, fortunately, are not yet at an end.  It has been my hope, on account of my former friendship with Mr. Hodder, that an ecclesiastical trial might not be necessary.  It now seems inevitable.  In the meantime, since Mr. Hodder has seen fit to remain in spite of our protest, I do not intend to enter this church.  I was prepared, gentlemen, as some of you no doubt know, to spend a considerable sum in adding to the beauty of St. John’s and to the charitable activities of the parish.  Mr. Hodder has not disapproved of my gifts in the past, but owing to his present scruples concerning my worthiness, I naturally hesitate to press the matter now.”  Mr. Parr indulged in the semblance of a smile.  “I fear that he must take the responsibility of delaying this benefit, with the other responsibilities he has assumed.”

His voice changed.  It became sharper.

“In short, I propose to withhold all contributions for whatever purpose from this church while Mr. Hodder is rector, and I advise those of you who have voted for his resignation to do the same.  In the meantime, I shall give my money to Calvary, and attend its services.  And I shall offer further a resolution—­which I am informed is within our right—­to discontinue Mr. Hodder’s salary.”

There was that in the unparalleled audacity of Eldon Parr that compelled Hodder’s unwilling admiration.  He sat gazing at the financier during this speech, speculating curiously on the inner consciousness of the man who could utter it.  Was it possible that he had no sense of guilt?  Even so, he had shown a remarkable astuteness in relying on the conviction that he (Hodder) would not betray what he knew.

He was suddenly aware that Asa Waring was standing beside him.

“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Waring, “I have listened to this discussion as long as I can bear it with patience.  Had I been told of it, I should have thought it incredible that the methods of the money changers should be applied to the direction and control of the house of God.  In my opinion there is but one word which is suitable for what has passed here to-night, and the word is persecution.  Perhaps I have lived too long I have lived to see honourable, upright men deprived of what was rightfully theirs, driven from their livelihood by the rapacity of those who strive to concentrate the wealth and power of the nation into their hands.  I have seen this power gathering strength, stretching its arm little by little over the institutions I fought to preserve, and which I cherish over our politics, over our government, yes, and even over our courts.  I have seen it poisoning the business honour in which we formerly took such a pride, I have seen it reestablishing a slavery more pernicious than that which millions died to efface.  I have seen it compel a subservience which makes me ashamed, as an American, to witness.”

His glance, a withering moral scorn, darted from under the grizzled eyebrows and alighted on one man after another, and none met it.  Everett Constable coughed, Wallis Plimpton shifted his position, the others sat like stones.  Asa Waring was giving vent at last to the pent-up feelings of many years.